My name is Gallagrr!

Galla'grr' has a story that will break even the hardest of hearts- read our staff member's account of his arrival to MHS...

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Around 830, I missed a call from Central Dispatch. Minutes later, my boss gets a hold of me after receiving the same call. Someone who was driving down Marquette (where our shelter sits) noticed a dog tied to our fence, and feeling concerned, called the non emergency 911 number. I headed over to check things out.

Once I pulled in, I saw the police and then my scruffy friend. At first glance from afar, Galla'grr' looked like your typical happy little shih Tzu. But get closer, and the facade stripped away to reveal the disgusting and heartbreaking truth of neglect and cruelty. His dark eyes showed serious damage- in the right, the pupil had some cloudiness, and in the left, the iris was red from blood. I'm not a vet, so I can't wager a guess on what happened to change the pools of chocolate Brown sweetness into pools of pain. Next were the mats. Oh, the mats. There were significant clumps above and below his neck, forming a tight embrace around his collar. More dangled off his fur like filthy grey ornaments on a sad Charlie Brown Christmas tree. They were between his toes. Between his legs. Along his back. On top of his head and anywhere else his unkempt hair had the opportunity to fuse together. It was while sifting through clumps and knots that the smell hit like a ton of bricks. Think of the ripest and rankest sweaty feet that haven't seen a bar of soap since running water was first invented. Then seal them up and let them fester in the moist warm air mass currently overhead. I dare say, I'd rather stand downwind of a 13yr old boy using Axe body spray for the first time. The final act of indignity was in Gallagrr's skin itself. Numerous raw bloody patches. Some likely from a painful flea allergy that was scratched at to try and provide relief. There were bumps and fatty growths underneath him; odd bubble-y formed growths; and, a very large area of lumpy skin that resembled the texture of cauliflower. All told, it had been a long time since someone popped Gallagrr on their lap and snuggled in close to him. Prior to my rooting around, you have to wonder- when did he last feel a warm hand on his body? When did someone last excitedly call for him to come near? When was he last allowed inside a home, with beds and blankets and freedom from a hot sun or cold drenching rain?

Obviously, his condition infuriates me, but so too does the manner of his arrival. He was left at our fence, clipped to a leash that had been looped through the chain link. Many, who will try to express patience, will often say 'at least whoever did this, didn't leave him on.the side of the road.' The grain of truth there is small. Very small. While I am the last that you will hear advocating for tossing out an animal, in some ways, its almost better than being forced to stay in one place. Gallagrr had no escape from whatever weather condition may have occurred. The anticipated rain and thunderstorm in the immediate forecast? Gallagrr would have had a front row seat to that. Had he become stressed by his predicament, gallagrr could have easily twisted himself around and choked to a sad end in trying to get free. He was also a sitting duck to predatory animals, including those of the two legged variety. To think of a very real fate that would have transpired had someone unscrupulous discovered him, and knew how to bend his happy docile nature to their will is horrifying.

Little thought was made as gallagrr was left alone at our fence. With two bowls nearly out of reach, one with water, the other with kibbles n' bits, he was secured, and was forced to watch as that familiar person got back into their car, and left, undoubtedly without a second thought. One inconvenience out of the way, now they were free to take part in the superficialities that the night had to offer. Without a doubt, its easy to see gallagrr in a confused state, wondering if this was some new take on a game of fetch...you can almost picture him straining his head and trying to will the shrinking shape of the car and person back, so that he could break free from the grip of the chainlink and romp like mad after his target.

And now, we are left with a Herculean feat of fully restoring his spirit and showing him that not everyone leaves, along with attending the physical back to where he was left off, many many years ago. Its a task we don't take lightly, as loving up these bruised souls is serious business. We'll see to prompt medical care. His body will grow stronger from high quality food. And he WILL learn his own self worth as we dote on him, include him in play, and spend time with him because we want to be around a scruffy little boy waiting for his second chance to unfold.

We will also try to right his wrongs by connecting and sharing his story, in order to find the place in this world where he officially belongs.

All that and more awaits a soulful sweetie who despite the past hurts, still trusts and looks to others for comfort and love. It's an amazing quality these animals possess, their resiliency. Gallagrr could teach a master's level class in that.

And that, my friends, is Gallagrr. A healthy dose of joy, of love, of trust, and of not wanting to give up. He's a tenacious boy and I look forward to sharing more of his story with you.